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I think it’s safe to say that when a band influences Kurt Cobain, Duran Duran, Def Leppard, Bjork and ABBA simultaneously in their time, they’ve done something right. Those five artists are a mere fraction of the people who the Mael brothers have inspired in their time and even when giving them a cursory listen, it makes sense. This stems from the fact that Sparks are a deeply strange band, to the extent that Bob Harris, the BBC’s general music guru, called them a cross between Frank Zappa and The Monkees. From their bizarre lyrics and samples, to Russell Mael’s almost comical falsetto, they are a sign that a band or artist can be as weird as they please and, so long as they have the songs to back it up, people will still love them for a very long time.
For that reason alone, it’s understandable that such a diverse array of artists would be inspired by them. However, there’s a lot more to this band than strangeness. For example, people who know them for their post-punk hits in the early 80’s might be surprised to learn that they predate many of the bands that they inspired. The Mael’s spent their early teens in the golden age of the L.A club scene, catching the likes of The Doors, Love and The Beach Boys all essentially playing live on their doorstep. However, as the sixties went on and the pop scene started being taken over by folk, which they detested, they started listening to bands coming out of the U.K, like the Who, The Move and Pink Floyd.
Inspired by what they heard, they put together a band called Halfnelson in1968, who got the attention of another alternative rock icon of the future, Todd Rundgren. He was a producer at the time, and after he started championing the band they were signed to Bearsville Records. Their self-titled debut album was released soon after that but it wasn’t a hit, the band decided to go back to the drawing board, and after they renamed themselves Sparks, their fortunes started to change. Slowly, of course, their debut single as Sparks “Wonder Girl” was only a mild regional hit but it was a hit nonetheless.
It was their second album, 1973’s “A Woofer In Tweeter’s Clothing”, that really got things moving for the band and made them a name in their spiritual home country, the U.K. The success of the album there led to a tour and a residency at London’s world famous Marquee club, which led to one night where they were supported by a bunch of no-hopers by the name of Queen. By the end of the year, they’d had an appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test and a record deal with Island Records. Their breakthrough album came the following year, preceded by the single “This Town Ain’t Big Enough For The Both Of Us”. No lesser name than Elton John bet its producer Muff Winwood that it wouldn’t make it into the charts. It hit number 2, and it’s still one of the most enduring hits of the early 70’s. I’m sure Elton’s still losing sleep over it.
The band had become a sensation in the U.K, appearing on the cover of Melody Maker and Record Mirror in quick succession with their single “Amateur Hour” also hitting the top 10 with panache. By 1975 the band finally returned to the states for a tour of the cities where, ironically enough, the news of Sparks’ success in the U.K had translated into major interest. The tour translated into a renewed interest in the band, with radio play and a slot on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand in the same year.
Since then, the band have continued to be alternative icons, never letting their music get stale or samey and never being afraid to change their own format to fit their new style. They continued having hits well into the 80’s, where their collaboration with Giorgio Moroder “The Number One Song In Heaven” was a top 20 hit and an inspiration for many a budding synth-pop group. Even thirty years after their heyday they were able to play an astonishing 20 nights at the 800 capacity Islington Academy in London, where they played each of their studio albums in full on every night, before premiering their new album at the time with a sold out show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Sparks then, truly a band who will never be replicated, and we should all be thankful to have them. One to see as soon as possible.
Live reviews
hi,,sparks guys,,,Ron and Russell
I will start by saying ty for saveing my life..And I am so sorry not seeing you in june 16,in Kopenhagen,,,So So sad I did have a ticket for the concert in kbh,dk,,unfortenly,,we at the same time did have a problem,,all trains were much to late,(( train people striking)),,so I never were able to show up,,And I am so sad,,I really did look forward to see,hear your fantastic sound,, I see you guys every day on you tube,,watching your concerts all over...It is a big thing saying you guys did safe my life..Your glad and allways well telling songs,and sound..I hope I get the chance to see you,,next time you are around( I will not tell what has happend in my life,,the last 5 years,,But they are all gone,,parents,,uncles,aunts,,and in dec 22,,my girl left..Bye bye,,,I tbecame to much,,,And I got tired,,all over tired..I saw you guys on Netflix,,and your fantastic music,,And I started to hear your music all the time,,and I have only been listening((this time)) to your music around half a year,,((a little ozzy once a while,patient nr 9)),,and back to your music...I have been knowing you for many years,,,Sorry guys I forgot you for a couple of years,,,But I never will again...Ty,,Bst..Kolding Denmark
briansean
Over the course of a career that has now spanned more than forty years, Los Angeles brothers Ron and Russell Mael have enjoyed a great many plaudits for their work as Sparks, but perhaps none as great as being described by legendary Vancouver music journalist Nardwuar the Human Serviette as his favourite band of all time. It’s not difficult to understand why the famously verbose Canadian would take to Sparks, either; their lyrical style is intelligent, witty and often highly complex, whilst their stage shows have always been theatrical, littered with the band’s own trademarks - they might well be the ultimate cult band, in that respect. They’re still a going concern today, too, with 2009 seeing the release of their latest album; The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman is a fantasy pop opera, just in case you wondered if the Mael brothers had become less experimental with age. Later this year, too, they’ll return to the UK to play their seminal third record Kimono My House in full, for two nights at London’s Barbican Centre; fans should expect a typically idiosyncratic show, with a slew of other cuts likely to be thrown in alongside the album and a stage show that does justive to both the record and the band themselves.
Joeg_67
Sparks' performance at the O2 Institute was the epitome of power, energy and passion. Backed by a superbly professional and tight band the brothers Mael worked their way through several songs from their recent album interspersed with classics from their extensive back-catalogue. Russell's energy enthused a tightly packed audience - anyone would be grateful of even half his energy levels for a man of his age - whilst brother Ron was as straight-faced as ever...at least until his customary dance routine!
By the end of the night the Maels appeared genuinely moved by the response that they had so deservedly earned whilst the venue itself provided the perfect blend of size and intimacy.
A band not to be missed.
chrisnelson61
Now way back in 1976, when I was a huge High school Sparks fan, I had tickets to see the brothers. Was so excited, but the evening of the show every one found out the show was cancelled. I waited and waited for some 40 years until they played Seattle again.
Now as a handicapped Sparks fan I was able to procure great seats, in the ADA seats, at The Showbox theater . Let me tell you all, it was worth the 40 year wait. And now that they're coming back two days after my 67th birthday, I will be able to continue my happy "SPARKS" fan life. Thank you very much.
Ken Owen
Seattle Washington
kbearo
Great experience. Ron and Russel performed max luv thier humble appearence. There was a superb mix of older and newer songs. Would have loved to have meet them in person to express my apreciation of thier contribution to music throughout almost four decades.
If you liked SPARKS when Young and forgot about then I can only say go to see and hear them Play live you wont regrets
Best wishes say Hi from
Lars Lundsdal
lars-lundsdal
Sparks were the first band I ever recorded on a mono tape recorder as a kid. The same feeling returned when Sparks performed their old classics at Birmingham Institute and their recent stuff was just as excellent. Delivered by a group who obviously give it their all and give a damn about why they bothered to stand on a stage in the first place. Their passion really showed. Love them the more for having seen them.
stuart-erys-collier
It's good to see and hear Sparks back in action with a new album after a long hiatus.
A packed Shepherds Bush theatre were treated to many tracks from the new album as well as the old favourites.
The band were tight, the audience wild with enthusiasm for what can only be described as a memorable show and appropriate home coming to their adopted country.
Truly different.
allbarnunn
My first Sparks show! With very high audience rapport, a super tight band and killer tunes, the brothers kept old and new fans enthralled for over ninety minutes. A highly memorable night, in the words of Russell himself before the encore.
Larris
Great performance and there new songs are amazing .Russell his voice sounds still great best show i have seen in years.they really are timeless for me the best band in the world.
eddyschilt
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